Bikaner lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan state of India. This desert city has a stark beauty which is totally unique. Popularly known as the 'Camel City' of Rajasthan, India. This Kingdom was established by a Rathore Prince, Rao-Bhikaji- a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur in 1488 A.D. Bikaji, enterprising son of the Rao Jodhaji, founded a barren land known as Jangladesh and transformed it into an impressive city Bikaner after his name.
The wide-spread sand dunes, the moonlit glittering beauty and desert agility, the worth-seeing natural sites, the marvelous palaces and temples, wild life sanctuaries and archeological treasures all combine to make this city a place of lasting charm and permanent attraction. Famous all over the world for it's sweets and namkeens (bhujia), the city offers over 500 years old culture and heritage, the very feel of Rajasthan.
Bikaner also boost the famous camel festival that is organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and culture, Government of Rajasthan, annually. The festival is held in the month of January and is an exclusive camel festival. In addition to sale and purchase of camels, the festival also endorse song and dance festival and other competitions.
Population in Bikaner : 4 Lakhs (approx.)
Area of Bikaner : 165.75 Sp. Kms. (approx.)
Languages Spoken in Bikaner : Rajasthani, Hindi, Marwari, English.
STD Code of Bikaner : 0151
Best time to visit Bikaner : October to March
Fairs & Festivals of Bikaner :
Camel festival : The Camel Festival is an event organized in Bikaner by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, every year in the month of January. Desert region's Folk dances and Music, add on to what is otherwise an exclusive camel affair. A festival when the ships of the desert are seen at their best. Camels fascinate tourists from all over the world with their movements, charm and grace. A spectacle of unusual camel performances: camel races, camel dances, and the bumpy, neck shaking camel rides.
Kolyat Fair : Celebrated on a full moon kartik poornima in November every year, the Kolayat festival is a reminder of the living traditions of ancient India. Also known as the Kapil Muni fair, the Kolayat festival is a festive event of great religious significance for the Hindus. Pilgrims and tourists congregate at the venue of the Kolayat festival and Kapil Muni fair that is located on the banks of the Kolayat Lake. Pilgrims bathe in the Kolayat Lake on the day of the Kolayat festival and wash away their sins. Fringed by thick banyan trees, the Kolayat Lake creates an aesthetic ambience that forms the ideal venue for the Kolayat festival celebrations.
Karni Mata Fair : Karni Mata Fair of Bikaner, Rajasthan is held two times in a year. Deshnok is a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district. The Rajasthan Karni Mata Fair is dedicated to Karni Mata, an ascetic who spent her life working towards uplifting of the deprived and oppressed communities.
Gangaur Festival : Gangaur festival welcomes spring in Rajasthan and Bikaner is among the main centers of Gangaur festivities. The term Gangaur derives its origin from the words 'Gan' and 'Gauri'. Gan refers to Lord Shiva and Gauri is of course his consort and the Gangaur festivities signify marital bliss and happiness. The festival is of great significance for the women of Bikaner. Most families in Bikaner get their "puja rooms" whitewashed for the Gangaur festival. Ladies place idols of Gauri and Isar in their puja rooms. The deities are decorated with bright costumes and ornaments. Offerings are made as women sing devotional songs.
Bikaner Tourists Attractions :
Junagarh Fort : Built by Raja Rai Singh, the fort has 37 palaces with in the complex. Pavalions Suraj pol or the Sun gate is the main entrance to the fort. The palces worth visiting are Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal and Karan Mahal. Built in red stone and marbles, the palace is ornamented with mirror work, carving and paintings. The palace has a museum that showcases the rare antiques, valuable miniature painting founded in Junagarh fort.
Lallgarh Palace : Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in commemoration of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The masterpiece is built in Red stone and has a beautiful lattice work and filigree work. Part of this palace is converted into a museum known as Shri Sadul Museum and a luxury hotel.
Gajner Palace : The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing. Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse.
Gajner Wild Life Sanctuary : These places, hold a lot of importance, for those who want to explore all the aspects of wild life.
Royal Cenotaphs (Devi Kund sagar) : Devi Kund sagar is situated 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here.On the sides of reservoir of water lie the Royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to last Maharaji Karni Singhji as well as those of their wives and other important members of families.There are cenotaphs (Chhatries) of 22 SATIES of royal family prior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji (1745-1787). There is also one cenotaph of a SATA (male sati) of a ruler.The architecture of the cenotaphs is the prime attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling. Close by is a Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer which is held in high esteem by muslim community and other people.
Camel Breeding farm : Camel constitutes a vital species of the desert ecosystem. It utilizes various adaptive mechanisms that are most suited to desert life. It came into existence on 5th July,1984. Bikaner is the home tract of camel breed Bikaneri that is true representative of single humped Indian camels (Camelus dromedarius). his government-managed farm is unique and largest in Asia. There are hundreds of camels here and the scenario in late afternoon is great when camels come back from grazing. It's here that you can see what an interesting animal the camel is. You can have some thick camel milk while listening to a Raika or Rebari, a camel breeder's tribe telling you about camels and camellore and how they are bred. The gamboling baby-camels make a very enchanting sight.
The Har Mandir : It is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses .
Karni Mata Temple : This temple is visited by people of all creeds and religions. It's pious & spiritual atmosphere is best for asthetics.
Bika Ki Teri : Built in 1485, the fort was constructed by Rao Bika. This fort is situated on the rocky ground, although the fort is not in good taste but definitely presents a reminder of the gallantry of its founder.
Shri Sadul Museum : This is a paradise for art lovers, as it presents, an antique collection of ancient artifacts, including well-preserved manuscripts, gold & silver plaques and parchments.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum : This is a place, where one can see, the huge collection of, royal costumes, weapons, ornaments, ancient statues, exquisite Paintings and terracotta, from the Gupta period.
Temples in Bikaner :
Shiv Bari Temple (6 kms from Bikaner ) : Fortified by a high wall the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Maharaja Doongar Singh constructed it in the ninth century in the memory of his father Maharaj Lall Singhji. The temple has a beautiful wall panting of Nandi Bull facing the Shiva Lingam. This is located on the way to the camel town.
Devi Kund (8 kms from Bikaner) : The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs (Chhatris). Each Chhatri is dedicated to the memory of rulers of Bikaji dynasty and is situated on the exact place where they were cremated. The Chhatri of Maharaj Surat Singh is a fine example of architecture. The ceilings of the Chhatris displays some delicate Rajput paintings.
Deshnok Temple : Deshnok is a small village situated 32 km south from Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is connected by national highway and rail.
Shopping in Bikaner :
Bikaner shopping destinations are a shopper's paradise. They have something to offer to everyone. The best time to shop in Bikaner is during the Camel Festival. A flourishing world of camel leather shoes, camel leather chairs, camel fur rugs, camel leather belts, bags, miniature paintings on camel hides, beaded and sequined gorbandhs, lac bangles etc. envelops you in a glorious desert aura. Enjoy shopping for local goodies like the traditional Bikaneri bhujia and Bikaner sweetmeats prepared with thick and delicious camel milk. Stop by at a local desert stall and sip camel milk tea before resuming your shopping spree that sets you in the midst of lavishly embroidered quilts, ghagras, camel leather goods and bright paintings.
Accomodation at Bikaner :
Bikaner has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate its guests. The price range varies noticeably to meet the demand for various levels of tourists. Most tourists plan daylong trips to Bharatpur. However, there is good accommodation available at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge, Forest Guesthouse and Saras Tourist Bungalow. All the three have multi-cuisine restaurants. Accommodation is also available at the Circuit House, Hotel Golbagh Palace, Shanti Kutir, and the Tourist Lodge near the sanctuary's Mathura gate.
How to Reach Bikaner :
By Air : Bikaner is well connected to the nearby towns and cities of importance. Jodhpur is the nearest airport. The airport is easily accessible by road.
By Rail : Bikaner has number of train links to connect it with the major cities of India.
By Road : It is also linked with the big and small cities of India by the national highways and other roadways. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
